Worries over Russia hit global firms

Companies lured to Russia in recent decades by the promise of economic development are now reeling as investors consider the prospect of wider military action and economic sanctions.

Once largely closed to the outside world, the opening of Russian markets since the breakup of the Soviet Union has attracted a wide range of global companies, especially in the energy, manufacturing and consumer goods sectors.

McDonald's(MCD), for example, has more than 400 stores in Russia and an additional 73 in Ukraine. PepsiCo(PEP) is another U.S.-based company with substantial operations in Russia, having spent almost $4 billion earlier this decade to acquire a local dairy products and baby food firm.

Denmark-based Carlsberg Group boasts 10 breweries in Russia and a whopping 39% market share in the country. Shares were down more than 5%.

In the auto industry, Renault-Nissan is among the most exposed to Russia risk. The company has a tie-up with AvtoVAZ, a major player in the Russian auto market.

Western countries are discussing ways to punish Russia, including sanctions that could damage trade and foreign investment.

The U.S. could be among the first to act. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Monday that the administration is currently preparing sanctions, but no final decision had been made on implementation.